KTUU.com | Alaska's news and information source | Parnell to run against Young

Parnell to run against Young

by Angela Blanchard
Friday, March 14, 2008

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell is throwing his hat in the ring.

He announced at the Republican state convention Friday morning that he'll take on Congressman Don Young for a seat in the U.S. House.

Parnell arrived in Alaska at 10-years-old in 1973, the same year Young served his first term in the U.S. House.

Now Parnell says he can unseat the 18-term incumbent.

What began as a speech about party delegates working together, turned into a surprise announcement from Parnell.

"I'm holding a press conference today to announce that I will be a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives," Parnell said.

Perhaps none were as stunned as Young, who was sitting in the audience.

Young was there to give his party a national report. But he wasted no time in addressing Parnell's announcement.

"And Sean, congratulations, I beat your dad and I'm going to beat you too," Young said.

Young went on to talk about issues within the Republican Party and the presidential elections.    

But eventually returned to the upcoming state primaries.

"He is lawyer though -- if you want another lawyer -- keep in mind I say that with a great deal of respect for lawyers, I spend enough on them," Young said with a laugh.

Young has yet to disclose why he's spent more than $850,000 of campaign contributions on fees for lawyers.

Back in February he told media he did not have to answer to those who did not vote for him, and therefore are not his constituents.

Outside the Division of Elections Parnell said it was this issue in part that motivated him to run.

"That is wrong in my estimation and part of the public trust," Parnell said. "Even if somebody doesn't vote for us, we represent them in the best way we know how, and that was something that got me talking about it a lot more."

And as for any last words about Parnell's odds of beating his opponent in the state primaries, he said he would "let the people decide that in August."

Parnell and Young also face Kodiak Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux in the upcoming primaries.

If the lieutenant governor were to win the election, Attorney General Talis Colberg is the designee to take the place of Parnell. The governor appoints a designee after taking office.

Contact Angela Blanchard at ablanchard@ktuu.com